Welcome back to another week.
A change from clouds today on the photographic front.
The black-and-white images we’re running today accompany an interesting piece about the Hoopers Inlet boatshed. I was tempted to call the boatshed "iconic", but managed at the last second to avoid that. It is such an overused word. But maybe it does meet the "iconic" threshold? What do you think?
"The reason for my interest stems from the fact that said edifice was in fact constructed by my father, Mr Herb Lanham, and friends during the 1920s and was used by our family up to the late 1950s.
"My father also built our crib on the slope overlooking the boatshed and many were the happy times we all spent there along with our friends and relatives.
"Being a tidal inlet, the depth of water was on average about two metres, making it fairly safe to have fun swimming, dinghy sailing, fishing and generally mucking about in boats. We engaged in flounder fishing, either netting or spearing in the deeper channels on the far side where the sea entered the bay, and they were the most delicious fish ever tasted!
"It was a picnic day as much as a regatta, with sailing and rowing races with hot water and milk provided. It is interesting to mention that there were three silver cups donated by various well-wishers as trophies for the winners of each sailing event.
"The boatshed was the headquarters for the boating events, accommodating the two judges, who carried out their important job from an office lined up on the finish line.
"Running races were held for all age groups attending, including egg-and-spoon races with cash prizes. A friendly spirit prevailed throughout the day and the function was always well attended, with the Peninsula Bus Service bringing a busload of people from Dunedin.
"In the evening following the regatta, a dance was held in the Hoopers Inlet School Hall to round out the day.
"The regatta continued on through the war years until the late 1950s. Worthy of note is the decision by the club to build a hall at Hoopers Inlet during the early 1950s in order to hold a Saturday night dance every so often through the course of the year as a fundraiser.
"To have the boatshed described as photogenic and loved by photographers around the world, as per your article, would make my dear, long-departed, father’s heart swell with pride and our family is left with so many happy memories of the good times spent.
"It is pleasing to know that the present owner is intending to rebuild the boatshed to its previous specification."
Thanks for taking the time to write in with those recollections, Jack, and for letting us see your photos.
Sounds like it was a fun event — perhaps it is time to reintroduce the regatta?
